Scientists have observed that ultrasound signals fired into the brains of rodents could induce a torpor-like state. They are considering the possibility of this being used for humans as well.
Scientifically Induced Torpor-Like State
Mice and rats were induced into a torpor-like state after scientists fired their brains with ultrasound signals. Such methods may potentially work on critically injured humans or on astronauts enduring long space travels, Live Science reports.
This is the first method of its kind. It specifically works by blasting ultrasounds into the specific brain region that handles body temperature and metabolism. The technique was observed to lower the average body temperature of the rodent by 3.5 degrees Celsius. It also reduced their consumption of oxygen and slowed their heart rates down. Findings were included in the Nature Metabolism journal.
Associate professor Hong Chen, the study's lead author from Washington University in St. Louis, explains that if such a technique were to be successfully demonstrated among humans, it could have vital medical implications, especially for patients in critical states. Being able to induce a torpor-like state could boost their window for treatment and survival chances. This may also work for astronauts bound for Mars or other cosmic areas that require long space travel time.
However, whether humans may be artificially and safely induced into such a torpor-like state still remains a mystery. To delve deeper into this, the scientists made a wearable ultrasound that they initially glued over the heads of the mouse models. When the device was turned on, it emitted ultrasound waves to the hypothalamus.
After the ultrasound exposure, the rodents were immediately induced into a torpor-like state. They turned sluggish and consumed significantly less food.
Repeated bursts were done each time their body temperatures went beyond the target level. Doing so enabled the scientists to maintain the torpor-like state for as long as 24 hours without any observed signs of discomfort or injury. When the device was turned off, the mice's activity level and body temperatures recovered in less than an hour and a half.
The scientists repeated the procedures with 12 rats and observed that the device significantly led to body temperature decreases, though the drop was quite shallow. This shows that the device may work on mammals that do not naturally enter a state of torpor.
Chen notes, however, that there is a need to conduct further study to examine the feasibility and safety of the approach. There are also several hurdles to address, considering how the device was also found to stimulate a particular channel for ions within the neurons.
Professor Vladyslav Vyazovskiy of sleep physiology from Oxford University explains that before attempting to induce such hibernation in humans, it is important to ensure that they may return "intact." Until the consequences and causes of such a feat are understood, this possibility will remain fictional.
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Torpor State in Animals
During extremely cool climates or in times when food supplies are scarce, some fish, amphibians, birds, mammals, and insects conserve their energy by entering a state called torpor. In this temporary condition, the metabolism of these animals is significantly reduced. Their heart rate and body temperature also significantly drop, while blood flow also slows down.
Animals that hibernate also undergo several torpid state bouts. These creatures may breathe once every ten minutes or have dim brain activity. Live Science adds that there are just very few functions performed during these periods, to the point where several hibernating animals periodically wake up in order to catch sleep.
RELATED ARTICLE: Hibernation Explained: Vital for Some Species, but Not Humans
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